THE FESTIVAL OF THE EPIPHANY, SUNDAY JANUARY 6TH

WHAT IS EPIPHANY?

(The following information is taken from the Lutheran Church of Australia's Worship Resources)

The day of the Epiphany of our Lord is always 6 January, although in practice the festival may be celebrated on the Sunday before (or occasionally after). The word 'epiphany' means 'manifestation' or 'showing plainly'. Epiphany is an extension of Christmas. Now Christ, who came to earth, is shown as Saviour to the whole world - to us and to all people, as originally to the wise men from the East. The First Sunday after Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus, when he was shown as God's beloved Son. The following Sundays continue something of the Epiphany message, although they do not constitute an Epiphany season, but rather belong to the 'non-festival' time after Epiphany. The last Sunday after Epiphany is always Transfiguration, when Jesus is shown in glory before his time of suffering.

The number of Sundays after Epiphany varies according to the date of Easter and hence of Ash Wednesday (which is the Wednesday after Transfiguration).

Services in the parish on the 6th January are as follows:

Hawkesdale 9.00am Service of the Word
Warrnambool 9.00am Service with Holy Communion
Ayrford 11.30am Service with Holy Communion